Presidency moves to strengthen internal democracy as party prepares for 2027 elections amid pressure from stakeholders.

By Ifeoma Onyekachi

In a move aimed at tightening oversight of party processes ahead of the 2027 general elections, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari, to supervise the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for National Assembly seats.

The decision follows a series of consultations with lawmakers, including senators and members of the House of Representatives, who have called for strict adherence to internal party democracy during the selection of candidates.

Under the arrangement, the presidential supervisory team will engage with APC state governors, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), as well as the leadership of the National Assembly, to ensure a coordinated and credible primary election process.

The duo is expected to work closely with party stakeholders nationwide, focusing on promoting transparency, managing disputes, and ensuring compliance with due process. They will also provide regular updates to the President on the conduct of the primaries.

Despite this intervention, the APC National Secretariat will retain its constitutional responsibility for organising the primaries. This includes issuing official notices, screening aspirants, deploying election panels, and collating results in line with the Electoral Act and party guidelines.

Presidency sources indicate that the supervisory role is designed to enhance political coordination rather than override existing party structures.

Meanwhile, there are indications that some influential party figures have pushed for an expansion of the supervisory team to accommodate broader interests. However, the President is said to have resisted such proposals, citing concerns that a larger structure could undermine the integrity and independence of the party’s electoral processes.